Johannesburg - Peugeot asserts that the changes made to its latest 208, just landed in South Africa, amount to a lot more than just a facelift. That's particularly true in the case of the new GT Line model.

While it's no GTi, it does offer some of the style that you'd expect from a hot hatch and it's also somewhat quicker than other conventional 208s as power comes from a turbocharged version of Peugeot's Puretech 1.2-litre three-cylinder petrol engine.

The three-pot is good for 81kW at 5500rpm and 205Nm from 1500rpm, allowing for a 9.6 second 0-100km/h sprint and 190km/h top speed, according to Peugeot. The engine can be mated to either a five-speed manual or six-speed automatic gearbox.

For the stylish side of the sales pitch, the GT Line receives 17-inch Caesium alloys, a unique grille with a gloss black surround, chrome exhaust tip, unique sports seats with red contrast stitching as well as alloy-finished pedals and door sill décor.

POP ART IS BACK

The 1.2-litre Active model soldiers on with its 60kW/118Nm normally aspirated motor that’s been tinkered with to improve economy, while the Pop Art name makes a comeback, powered Peugeot's 1-litre three-pot, rated at 50kW and 95Nm. Its engine size makes it the only model in the range to qualify for duty-free importation, allowing for a price tag of R159 900. The 1.2 Active sells for R209 900 and the GT Line starts at R269 900.

All models in the range benefit from styling changes that include new headlights with black and chrome elements and a redesigned grille housing a wider grille. New wheel designs and '3D claw' LED taillights round off the styling changes, along with some new colour options that include the extremely bright 'Orange Power' and a new textured paint option that's resistant to micro scratches. Some minor stylistic and ergonomic changes have been made in the cabin.

Standard features on the Pop Art include air conditioning, front electric windows, CD/MP3 audio system with aux jack, dual front airbags and ABS. The Active adds Peugeot's 18cmtouch-screen interface, multi-function steering wheel, Bluetooth and USB connectivity, cruise control, electric mirrors, rear electric windows, alloy wheels and side airbags. In addition to all of that, the GT Line is fitted with dual-zone climate control and automatic lights and wipers.

All models are sold with a three-year/100 000km warranty, while Active and GT Line also have a standard five-year/60 000km maintenance plan, which is optional on the Pop Art.